A tense exchange unfolded at a Senate Banking Committee hearing as Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould over a pending bank charter application tied to President Donald Trump’s crypto company, World Liberty.

Elizabeth Warren demands answers on World Liberty’s bank application

Warren cited a Wall Street Journal report alleging that a senior United Arab Emirates official secretly acquired a 49% stake in Trump’s crypto venture shortly before Trump returned to office.

She questioned whether the foreign investor was properly disclosed in World Liberty’s application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which regulates national banks.

“Did World Liberty disclose that the UAE official’s company was a shareholder?” Warren asked.

Gould declined to discuss specifics of any pending application, stating that the OCC would follow established regulatory procedures. Warren countered that OCC rules require full disclosure of any principal shareholder with a 10% or greater stake, arguing that failure to do so would warrant dismissal of the application.

She requested access to an unredacted filing for committee oversight, saying lawmakers needed to verify compliance with disclosure requirements. Gould said he would consider the request consistent with established protocols.

Warren framed the issue as both a national security and conflict-of-interest concern, warning that foreign ownership of a U.S. bank tied to a sitting president posed significant risks. She also accused the OCC of potentially enabling corruption if it approved the charter.

Gould rejected allegations of political influence, saying the only pressure he had felt “is from you,” and maintained that the agency would process the application like any other.

The clash shows escalating political tensions surrounding crypto regulation, bank charters, and the intersection of digital asset ventures with presidential business interests.

Paradigm, the San Francisco-based crypto investment firm, is pursuing a new $1.5 billion fund aimed at backing companies across artificial intelligence, robotics and other frontier technologies. The fundraising plan, reported by the Wall Street Journal, signals the firm’s intention to broaden its mandate while continuing to back crypto-related ventures using its established technical-investment team. Public filings show Paradigm already manages roughly $12.7 billion in assets, underscoring the scale it brings to a fund that blends crypto with cutting-edge tech bets. The strategy reflects a broader industry twist: the convergence of digital assets with AI and automation, a nexus that has attracted increased capital over the past year.

Paradigm will continue to invest in crypto companies, according to familiar sources, but the new vehicle will also evaluate frontier-tech opportunities outside the traditional crypto ecosystem. The Wall Street Journal noted that the firm’s managers sought greater latitude to avoid constraints that could cause them to pass on attractive deals. The approach mirrors a broader trend among crypto-focused funds expanding into adjacent technologies as capital markets prize diversification and cross-disciplinary expertise. The fundraise aligns with Paradigm’s history: it launched its flagship $2.5 billion fund in November 2021, at the time the largest crypto fund in history, and in 2024 publicly announced its third fund—a venture vehicle of about $850 million focused on early-stage crypto projects. These milestones punctuate a firm comfortable with large-scale vehicles and multi-cycle exposure to digital assets.

Beyond capital allocations, Paradigm’s strategy underscores a belief that crypto and AI are not mutually exclusive. The firm’s leadership has argued for a pragmatic view of the two domains, noting substantial overlap in areas such as how autonomous systems can execute transactions. This concept—agentic or autonomous AI agents performing actions within financial networks—has become a focal point in industry conversations about security, efficiency and governance. For readers familiar with the technical dialogue around AI agents and how they interact with decentralized systems, the connection is a natural extension of Paradigm’s investment thesis. The discussion sits at the intersection of risk management, smart-contract integrity and the evolving architecture of programmable money.

Open questions about the precise structure of the new fund remain, but the narrative around Paradigm’s pivot away from crypto appears to have evolved. In 2023, the firm faced public speculation after it trimmed crypto-specific language from its website, prompting some observers to wonder if it planned a broader shift toward AI. Co-founder Matt Huang disputed that interpretation, stating that the team had simply been exploring AI while remaining deeply committed to crypto across all stages. In a subsequent note, Huang emphasized that developments in AI are compelling enough to merit parallel exploration alongside ongoing crypto initiatives. This stance captures a pragmatic view in which crypto remains central, but AI opportunities are too consequential to ignore. The firm’s recent collaboration with OpenAI to release EVMbench—a benchmark evaluating how AI models can detect and patch security vulnerabilities in smart contracts—illustrates that the overlap between the two sectors is not theoretical, but operational and testable.

Paradigm’s frontier-tech push comes amid a broader AI funding boom

Industry data cited by the OECD shows venture-capital investments in artificial intelligence reached $258.7 billion in 2025, accounting for about 61% of all VC activity and effectively doubling AI’s share since 2022. Within AI, fundraising for generative AI firms made up roughly 14% of total AI VC investments, with the United States drawing the largest portion of capital. The numbers illustrate a market backdrop where AI is a driving force behind liquidity and deal flow, a context that investors like Paradigm are trying to leverage while maintaining a crypto footprint. The momentum around AI funding complements the evolving crypto landscape, where innovations in on-chain security, scalable infrastructure and tokenized financial assets continue to attract capital from traditional and specialized investors alike.

For readers tracking the practical side of AI-crypto convergence, Paradigm’s activities provide a useful case study. The firm’s involvement in AI benchmarking and security—through collaborative efforts with OpenAI on EVMbench—signals a preference for concrete, talent-driven assessments of risk and opportunity in crypto infrastructure. The project evaluates how AI agents can identify vulnerabilities in smart contracts and suggest patches, a capability that could improve the resilience of programmable money and decentralized applications. This line of work aligns with a broader push to raise the bar on cryptographic and governance standards as AI adoption scales across blockchain-native ecosystems.

In parallel, the market continues to size up the potential for frontier-tech finance to reshape venture ecosystems. The integration of AI with crypto workflows hints at new value propositions for developers, operators and investors who want to combine the speed and automation of intelligent agents with the structural transparency of decentralized networks. The 2025 funding landscape, highlighted by OECD figures, reinforces the idea that technology bets are increasingly pluralistic—funds seek to back teams that can navigate both AI breakthroughs and crypto-market dynamics, a stance Paradigm appears to be formalizing through its latest fundraising efforts.

Why it matters

The strategic timing of Paradigm’s fundraising matters for several reasons. First, it demonstrates how crypto-focused funds are maturing into multi-technology platforms capable of supporting complex portfolios that straddle AI, robotics and digital assets. This evolution could attract a broader set of LPs seeking diversified exposure to frontier tech themes without sacrificing deep domain expertise in crypto risk management. Second, the collaboration with AI researchers and benchmarks like EVMbench signals a willingness to invest not only in companies but in tooling and standards that improve security and efficiency across the crypto stack. If AI-driven testing and patching become mainstream in on-chain development, the resulting improvements in smart-contract safety could raise the confidence of users and institutions alike.

From a market perspective, Paradigm’s move sits at the nexus of two transformative trends. AI funding is surging, while crypto funding cycles remain active as investors wager on improvements in scalability, governance and regulatory clarity. The OECD data cited above illustrate a capital environment where AI is a dominant driver of VC flows, yet the crypto sector still presents material opportunities for those who can blend deep technical risk assessment with strategic portfolio construction. The cross-pollination of these domains could fertilize ecosystems where AI helps automate, audit and optimize crypto infrastructure, while blockchain technologies provide new data-native workloads for intelligent agents and automation platforms.

For the broader user and investor community, Paradigm’s approach signals that the near-term future of crypto funding may increasingly resemble traditional technology venture models: larger raised funds, diversified mandate, and a portfolio approach that prioritizes talent, rigorous due diligence and technical interoperability. The firm’s willingness to maintain its crypto commitments while pursuing frontier tech investments could set a template for other crypto-focused funds confronting the same balance: remaining anchored in digital assets while embracing adjacent advances that could reshape the entire technology stack.

What to watch next

• Progress toward closing the $1.5 billion frontier-tech fund, including potential fundraising milestones and any anticipated close dates.
• Regulatory filings and disclosures related to the new vehicle, especially as the strategy expands beyond crypto into AI and robotics.
• Portfolio visibility: any announcements of investments or co-investments in AI, robotics or related frontier technologies, alongside crypto companies.
• Updates on EVMbench adoption and results, and whether AI-driven security tooling becomes a standard in crypto development workflows.
• Continued commentary from Paradigm leadership on the crypto-AI overlap and strategic priorities across stages of investment.

Sources & verification

• Wall Street Journal report detailing Paradigm’s $1.5 billion frontier-tech fund and the firm’s expansion into AI and robotics.
• Regulatory filings showing Paradigm’s assets under management at roughly $12.7 billion.
• Cointelegraph coverage discussing Paradigm’s ongoing crypto investments and references to executive commentary.
• Announcement of EVMbench, a joint effort with OpenAI to benchmark AI agents’ ability to detect and patch smart-contract flaws.
• OECD data on AI venture-capital investments through 2025, highlighting the scale of AI funding and cross-sector allocations.

Paradigm widens the lens on frontier tech and crypto

Paradigm’s current fundraising push to assemble a $1.5 billion frontier-tech fund underscores a practical shift in how crypto-focused capital views the technology landscape. While the firm remains firmly rooted in crypto, the new vehicle signals a deliberate strategy to diversify into AI, robotics and other high-potential sectors. At the same time, Paradigm’s public record—$12.7 billion in AUM and a history of large crypto funds—offers a credible backdrop for investors weighing the risks and rewards of a broader tech mandate. The collaboration with OpenAI on EVMbench exemplifies the concrete, value-driven work that can emerge when crypto publics intersect with AI researchers and standards bodies. As the sector contends with regulatory questions and evolving market dynamics, Paradigm’s approach provides a lens into how crypto-focused firms may evolve to participate in the broader tech economy while maintaining a disciplined risk profile.

Key points:

• Bitcoin continues to face selling on minor rallies, indicating a negative sentiment.

• Several altcoins have turned down from the overhead resistance levels, indicating the bears are active at higher levels.

Bitcoin (BTC) continues to face selling on rallies, with bears attempting to sink the price below $66,000. However, some analysts believe the downside may be limited. 

Analyst Willy Woo said in a post on X that the selling may have exhausted and BTC is likely to enter a period of consolidation. He expects the rebound to be rejected in the mid $70,000 level. Woo anticipates the bearish trend to end in Q4 of this year and the bullish momentum to begin in Q1 or Q2 2027.

Another positive sign in favor of the bulls is that BTC exchange-traded funds have started attracting investors. The BTC ETFs have recorded $1.01 billion in inflows since Tuesday, according to SoSoValue data.

Analysts also expect Ether (ETH) to remain sideways for some time. Swyftx lead analyst Pav Hundal told Cointelegraph on Thursday that ETH may remain “subdued over the next few weeks” and in the medium term may test even “the most experienced investors.” 

Could BTC and select major altcoins hold on to their support levels? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.

Bitcoin price prediction

BTC’s relief rally is facing selling at the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) ($68,895), indicating a negative sentiment.

The BTC/USDT pair has formed a symmetrical triangle, which usually acts as a continuation pattern. If the Bitcoin price continues lower and breaks below the support line, it puts the $60,000 level at risk of breaking down. If that happens, the pair may plunge to the next major support at $52,500.

The first sign of strength will be a close above the resistance line. The pair may then rally to the breakdown level of $74,508. This is a crucial level for the bears to defend, as a close above $74,508 suggests that the price may have bottomed out at $60,000.

Ether price prediction

Buyers pushed ETH above the $2,111 resistance on Wednesday but could not sustain the breakout.

The Ether price has turned down sharply from the $2,111 resistance, indicating that the bears are vigorously defending the level. That suggests the ETH/USDT pair may extend its stay inside the $1,750 to $2,111 range for a while.

The next trending move is expected to begin on a close above $2,111 or below $1,750. If the $1,750 level cracks, the next stop is likely to be $1,537. Alternatively, a close above $2,111 might thrust the pair toward the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) ($2,494).

XRP price prediction

XRP (XRP) remains stuck between the 20-day EMA ($1.44) and the support line of the descending channel pattern.

Sellers will attempt to sink the XRP price below the support line, but are likely to encounter solid resistance from the bulls. If the price bounces off the support line with strength, the bulls will again try to push the XRP/USDT pair above the 20-day EMA. If they succeed, the pair may rally to the 50-day SMA ($1.67) and then to the downtrend line.

Contrarily, a break and close below the support line puts the Feb. 6 low of $1.11 at risk of breaking down. The pair may then tumble to the psychological support at $1.

BNB price prediction

Sellers are attempting to halt BNB’s (BNB) recovery at the 20-day EMA ($638), but the bulls have kept up the pressure.

That shows a greater potential for a possible breakout above the 20-day EMA in the near term. The BNB/USDT pair may rally to $669 and subsequently to the breakdown level of $730.

This bullish view will be negated in the near term if the price turns down sharply from the 20-day EMA and breaks below the $570 support. That signals the resumption of the downtrend toward the psychological support at $500.

Solana price prediction

Solana (SOL) rose above the 20-day EMA ($86) on Wednesday, but the bears halted the recovery at the $95 level.

Sellers have pulled the price below the 20-day EMA, opening the gates for a drop to the $75 level. If the price rebounds off the $75 level with strength, it suggests that the bulls are trying to form a higher low. The SOL/USDT pair may then consolidate between $75 and $95 for a few days.

Contrary to this assumption, a close below the $75 level suggests that the bears remain in control. The Solana price may then plummet to the Feb. 6 low of $67.

Dogecoin price prediction

Dogecoin (DOGE) broke above the 20-day EMA ($0.10) on Wednesday, but the bulls could not sustain the higher levels.

Sellers will attempt to pull the Dogecoin price below the $0.09 support. If they can pull it off, the DOGE/USDT pair may retest the Feb. 6 low of $0.08. A strong rebound off the $0.08 level signals a possible range formation. The pair may swing between $0.08 and $0.12 for some time.

The bulls will be back in the driver’s seat after they thrust the price above the $0.12 resistance. That opens the doors for a rally to $0.16.

Bitcoin Cash price prediction

Buyers pushed Bitcoin Cash (BCH) above the $500 level on Wednesday and Thursday, but the long wick on the candlesticks shows selling at higher levels.

Sellers will attempt to sink the Bitcoin Cash price to the solid support at $443, which is a critical support to watch out for. If the price closes below $443, the BCH/USDT pair will complete a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern. That may start a new downtrend toward $380.

Buyers will have to swiftly push the price above the moving averages to prevent the downside. If they do that, the pair may march toward $580.

Related: Bitcoin to $30K? Analysts debate when and at what price BTC will bottom

Hyperliquid price prediction

Hyperliquid (HYPE) has been trading inside a large range of $20.82 to $36.77 for the past few days. 

The flattening moving averages and the relative strength index (RSI) near the midpoint do not give a clear advantage either to the bulls or the bears. If the price sustains above the 20-day EMA ($29.07), the HYPE/USDT pair may rise to $32.50 and later to the stiff overhead resistance of $36.77.

On the downside, the bears will have to tug the Hyperliquid price below the $25.62 support to gain the upper hand. That clears the path for a drop to the solid support at $20.82. A break above $36.77 or below $20.82 is likely to start the next trending move.

Cardano price prediction

Cardano (ADA) cleared the 20-day EMA ($0.28) hurdle on Wednesday, but the bulls could not pierce the 50-day SMA ($0.31).

A positive sign in favor of the bulls is that they are attempting to arrest the pullback at the 20-day EMA. If the price turns up from the 20-day EMA, buyers will make another attempt to overcome the barrier at the downtrend line. If they succeed, the ADA/USDT pair may rally toward $0.44. Such a move suggests a short-term trend change.

Instead, if the Cardano price breaks and closes below the 20-day EMA, it indicates that the bears are active at higher levels. That may keep the pair inside the descending channel for some more time.

Chainlink price prediction

Chainlink (LINK) broke above the 20-day EMA ($9) on Wednesday, but the bulls are struggling to sustain the higher levels.

Sellers will attempt to pull the Chainlink price to the solid support at $8. Buyers are expected to defend the $8 level with all their might, as a close below it might sink the LINK/USDT pair to the Feb. 6 low of $7.15.

This negative view will be invalidated in the near term if the price turns up and closes above the 20-day EMA. The bulls will then attempt to propel the pair to the $10.94 to $11.61 overhead resistance zone.